TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



SW Graduate School of Banking Accepting 2027 Graduate Banking Program Applications

The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) is now accepting applications for the 2027 session of its graduate banking program, a nationally recognized, three-year executive education experience designed to develop the knowledge, leadership capabilities and professional relationships that banking and financial services professionals need to advance their careers and strengthen their … Read more

Harraman Joins Gulf Capital Bank as Senior Vice President/Business Banking Director

In June, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that longtime Houston banker Brent Harraman has joined the bank as senior vice president/business banking director. Harrraman joins Gulf Capital Bank after serving for more than 14 years at Comerica Bank. His last position there was as senior vice president, regional director/small-business banking for Texas, Arizona and Florida. … Read more

Governor Abbott Appoints The First State Bank’s Jenkins to Finance Commission of Texas

On June 9, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced appointments and reappointments of four individuals to the Finance Commission of Texas, among them a Texas community banker. The commission is the governing body of the state’s banking, savings and loan, and consumer credit agencies. William “Chip” Jenkins, one of those newly appointed to the commission, is … Read more

Sanderson Appointed Chief Transformation Officer at First United Bank

Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has appointed Justin Sanderson to serve as chief transformation officer. Officing in Plano, he will lead the bank’s enterprise-wide transformation initiatives focused on growth, innovation and customer experience. Sanderson will focus on aligning strategy and technology. He will work across business lines to drive initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen engagement … Read more

Community Bankers Honor BCC’s Smith with Prestigious Chairman’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Kathy Smith with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. She is the founder and principal of BCC (Bank Compensation Consulting), a Plano-based bank-owned life insurance consulting firm serving banks nationwide. IBAT’s 2024–25 Chair Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, presented the … Read more

NBT Financial Promotes and Hires During the Summer

Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank announced two new hires and four promotions in July. Janice Spooner has joined NBT Financial Bank as senior vice president/Grapevine market president. She has more than 37 years of banking experience, specializing in commercial and consumer lending. Spooner is a graduate of the Texas Bankers Association Management Development Program and … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Announces New Leadership and Additions to Board of Trustees

The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University has announced new leadership and added three new trustees to its board of advisors. T. Gary Hudson, former president and CEO and current board member of Farmers & Merchant’s Bank, is the new SWGSB chair and R. Scott … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Taps Davis for Lending in New Park Cities Branch

Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank announced that it has hired Nick Davis to serve as lending officer for the Park Cities market in Dallas. In this role, he will leverage more than 15 years of experience in commercial lending, financial management and business development. The Park Cities banking center, which is expected to open in the … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation Congratulates Class of 2023

On June 9, for the first time in its history, the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) held its commencement at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The banking industry executives, representing more than 70 financial institutions and regulatory agencies, were members of the 64th class … Read more